As aforementioned, CKD is progressive and irreversible. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to manage and treat the disease to prolong your dog’s life by several months or years. Exact treatment depends on the severity of the disease and what side effects your dog is experiencing. Also, it’s important to note that treatment will change as the disease progresses. Various treatments include:
- Flushing the kidneys to remove toxins from the blood using intravenous (IV) fluids. The fluids must be administered at a high enough rate to flush the system, but not so high that it affects the heart.
- Repeated lab tests over several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the disease, to monitor the progression.
- Food change to a prescription therapeutic diet specifically designed and carefully balanced for CKD. These diets are not acidified and have lower protein, phosphorus, sodium and calcium to lessen stress on the kidneys.
- Increasing water intake at home to help flush toxins from the kidneys and keep your dog hydrated. It’s important to provide fresh water in a clean water bowl to avoid growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms.
- At home fluid therapy, where the owner inserts a needle with a set amount of fluids under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. This may be done daily or several times a week.
- Medications to treat side effects and health issues from loss of kidney function. These can include:
- Antacids to reduce excess acid from the kidneys not regulating pH.
- Antiemetics to relieve nausea and vomiting, as well as improve appetite in some cases.
- ACE inhibitors and other blood pressure medications to control protein loss and regulate blood pressure.
- Medications that regulate the parathyroid gland and calcium levels, such as Calcitrol, for parathyroid gland issues.
- Medicine that encourages urine production.
- Medications that stimulate the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells, such as synthetic erythropoietin, for persistent anemia.
- Supplements to help pick up the slack where the kidneys no longer can. These can include:
Dialysis and kidney transplants are not recommended forms of treatment for dogs with CKD. Dialysis is more often for dogs with acute renal failure, is quite expensive and not offered at many clinics. In addition, kidney transplants are very rare because they are expensive and high risk.
The prognosis for dogs with CKD varies greatly, depending on the severity of the disease and your dog’s response to treatment. But there are general estimates based on the stage:
- Stage 1: more than 400 days
- Stage 2: 200 to 400 days
- Stage 3: 110 to 200 days
- Stage 4: less than 110 days, with average being 14 to 80 days
Though CKD is progressive and irreversible, some dogs can live for several years thanks to treatment. Other dogs may only live for a few months, even with the proper treatment. It all depends on how far along the disease is and how your dog responds to treatment.
Can CKD Be Prevented?
Though your dog may end up with CKD anyway, there are ways to try and prevent that from happening. These include:
1. Dental Care
Maintaining good dental hygiene for your dog is important for their long term health. This is because bacteria on your dog’s teeth can enter the digestive system during eating or drinking and damage kidneys over time. A few ways to provide your dog with dental care include:
- Brushing your dogs teeth regularly (recommended daily). You can use pet safe toothbrushes and toothpaste or finger brushes. Even brushing without the toothpaste is better than nothing.
- Dental chews, treats and toys to help remove plaque and other buildup. Safe chewing bones, such as bully sticks, can also be useful for this.
- Dental care additives for your dog’s water, if he or she enjoys the taste.
- Regular dental cleanings at your vet.
- Grapes and raisins
- Chocolate
- Macadamia nuts
- Xylitol
- Fabric softeners
- Dryer sheets
- Medications like ibuprofen and NSAIDS
- Chlorine
- Bleach
- Glycol Ethers
- Antifreeze
- Lead paint
- Contaminated water
Because the kidneys remove waste and balance nutrients, you try to reduce the workload on your dog’s kidneys. This would entail providing your dog with foods and treats that have less protein, phosphorus, sodium and more.
What Foods Can Dogs With CKD Eat?
Though it may be tempting to cook homemade food for your dog with CKD as a way to control the protein and sodium, it’s not the best idea. There are several prescription dog foods out there that have been specially formulated for dogs with CKD, including:
There is also a prescription treat designed for dogs with CKD by Hill’s Pet called Hill’s Prescription Diet Soft Baked Soft & Chewy Dog Treats.
In terms of nonprescription foods, those that are low in protein, phosphorus and sodium are okay for dogs with CKD. These are typically limited to fresh fruits and vegetables, such as:
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Apple
- Cauliflower
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Broccoli (raw)
- Carrots (cooked)
Always avoid giving your dog any foods that are dangerous for them, especially if they have health issues. In addition, salty foods are very harmful for dogs with CKD.
For more information on CKD, read the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) pocket guide, here.